He certainly did earn that reputation.
Haven't had a half a hand
Its half of what I am
Haven't heard of half the things
I've heard of in the past
Haven't given half the time
To half the people
Half the things I've planned
You don't have to be so cruel cause
All I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Haven't had the half of mind to stay
And start to take a stand
Haven't held on half as long as I had hoped
As I had hoped to plan
Happiness, half the shit they said I had
In half didn't have a chance
You don't have to be so cruel cause
All I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Its half of what I am
Haven't heard of half the things
I've heard of in the past
Haven't given half the time
To half the people
Half the things I've planned
You don't have to be so cruel cause
All I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Haven't had the half of mind to stay
And start to take a stand
Haven't held on half as long as I had hoped
As I had hoped to plan
Happiness, half the shit they said I had
In half didn't have a chance
You don't have to be so cruel cause
All I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Happiness will only happen when it can
Lyrics submitted by Rockin-Robin
Happiness Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Almost, alovelyfadeout, but this is actually correct (corrections in the second verse):
-- Haven't had a half a hand in half of what I am Haven't heard of half the things that happened in the past Haven't given half the time to half the people half the things I planned You dont have to be so cruel, cause all I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can (x2)
Haven't had the half a mind it takes to start to take a stand Haven't held on half as long as I had hoped, as I had hoped and planned Haven't missed half the shit they said I had to have to have a chance You dont have to be so cruel, cause all I do is a little less than what I can
Happiness will only happen when it can (x4)
The wordplay in this song loses a lot if you get the lyrics wrong.
Lots and lots of "h" words and sounds here. "Haven't given half the time to half the people half the things I planned." Half of half of half. That's 1/8th, and he hasn't even given that. He has a lot of things he doesn't have time to do.
I believe the speaker in this song is a person who believes that happiness will come when it can, and therefore cannot make his/her own happiness. He hasn't "had half a hand in half of what [he] is." Maybe a person unable or unwilling to take full responsibility for his/her own actions. Or someone contemplating how little he/she is actually in control of his life, attitudes, and plans. Apathetic and defiant at the same time. Call ("haven't...") and response (enormous guitar riff). I personally don't think this song is a mistake.